This document is subject to change based on Brookhaven College policies and procedures.

Requirements

The Texas Education Code, § 51.9192, subchapter Z, established the January 1, 2012 requirement for bacterial meningitis vaccination for Brookhaven College students under the age of 30 to submit evidence of being immunized against meningococcal meningitis. However, beginning January 1, 2014, the age requirement will change to those who are under the age of 22.

The meningitis vaccination requirement applies to:

All first time credit students

All new transfer credit students

All returning students who have experienced a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester

New and returning continuing education students enrolled in programs that are at least 360 contact hours or greater

Distance education students who live in Texas (based on actual mailing address. A Post Office box cannot be used as proof of residency)

Dual Credit, Middle College, Early College, and/or Charter High School students attending classes at Brookhaven College

Continuing Education students enrolled in a concurrent credit course(s)

Actions to Be Completed

You must submit proof of Bacterial Meningitis Immunization Compliance (or booster within the last five years) to your college's Admissions Office before registering for class. The date of the vaccination must be at least 10 days before the first day of class. This allows time for the vaccination to take effect.

The form, along with any other required documents (see Exceptions and Exemptions below) must be faxed, mailed, e-mailed or submitted (in person) to the Admissions Office.

Certification from a physician or clinic that the student has been vaccinated during the 5-year period immediately preceding and prior to registration, or

An immunization record from a state or local health authority or an official record received from school officials, including a record from another state (must be within 5 years).

The information will be maintained in the Admissions/Registrar's Office in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations and the Health and Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Important Note: Students who fail to submit required Meningitis Vaccine documentation will be restricted from registering for classes.

The following conditions exempt a student from being required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis or evidence of receiving a booster dose:

Students who are currently 30 years of age or older by the first day of the start of the semester in which you enroll. However, beginning January 1, 2014, the age requirement changes the exemption to the age of 22 or older.

Distance education students (based on actual mailing address. A 100% Distance Education Affidavit must be completed and submitted to the Registrar's Office. A Post Office Box cannot be used as proof of residency).

Students enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contract hours or in continuing education corporate training.

Students enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not
located at Brookhaven College.

A student, or a parent or guardian of a student, is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student, or a parent or guardian of a student, submits to the Admissions/Registrar's Office one of the following:

An exemption signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, stating in the physician's opinion, the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student; or

An exemption signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. In addition, a conscientious exemption form from the Texas
Department of State Health Services (DSHS) must be completed and submitted to the Admissions/Registrar's office.

Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is also referred to as spinal meningitis.

More information about the causes, symptoms, types, risks, and seriousness as well as ways to prevent meningococcal meningitis are available through the following links:

This information is being provided to all college students in the state of Texas. Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast - so take utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

High fever

Rash or purple patches on skin

Light sensitivity

Confusion and sleepiness

Lethargy

Severe headache

Vomiting

Stiff neck

Nausea

Seizures

There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body.

The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention.

HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS DIAGNOSED?

Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests.

Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

HOW IS THE DISEASE TRANSMITTED?

The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.

Contact your local or regional Texas Department of State Health Services at 817-264-4551. For more information, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services Web page at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/.